The Run

by Barroux

A boy dawdling in the bathroom to read is taken by surprise when the characters in his book come to life in this quirky picture book perfect for young readers with a silly sense of humor or beginning potty training!

A young boy takes a new book into the bathroom to read. But what a strange story! One by one, all sorts of animals—a cow, a polar bear, a lion, and more—race across the pages. But where are they running to? Then, the boy’s reading is interrupted by a loud knock on the bathroom door. The very same creatures are outside, lined up to use the toilet!

This story within a story is sure to have kids giggling with its “potty” humor and shenanigans.

Genres: Picture Books, Animals, Humor, Childrens, Storytime, Fiction, Juvenile

40 pages, Hardcover

First published August 4, 2020

About the author

Barroux is a Paris-based illustrator whose work has appeared in the New York Times, the Washington Post, and elsewhere.

Reviews

[Payam Ebrahimi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What I talk about
When I talk about Funny Books!

[The Book Squirrel · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book starts with pictures of animals running from one page to the next and a "voice" off the page. Then we see a boy sitting on the toilet reading the book talking to the animals in the book. Next moment, there's a knock at the bathroom door and the animals from the book are outside the door waiting to pee.
A weird and bit of a "nothing" story. I don't think all children will get it. I would pass this one by...

[Kristin Guay · Rating 5 out of 5]

I know this is a strange book, but I liked it and thought it was funny. This story begins with all kinds of animals running somewhere. There are penguins, a lion, fox, alligator, polar bear, crane, cow, turtle, pig, chickens, and an elephant. Everyone is running and there is a voice that keeps asking them “Why are you running”, “Did you hear me”, “Is it a race”, and “Are you playing a game.” Finally, this voice just yells “STOP”. At this point the reader turns the page and there is a little boy sitting on the toilet reading a book--apparently a book with all these animals running in it. All of the sudden there is a knock at the door and the boy is very distressed that he cannot have a moment of peace in the bathroom. When he opens the door, he is completely shocked. All the animals in the book were apparently running to use the bathroom--and now they are in a line outside of HIS bathroom door. The boy moves aside and lets them all have a turn. However, it is now his turn to run because he used up all the toilet paper!

What I really loved about the illustrations is that they feature a glimpse of the next animal on the preceding page. For example, a two-page spread features a lion running through a field, but on the far right side we can see the tail of a fox and on the page with the fox, we can see the back half of an alligator. This would be so much fun to have young children guess what the next animal is by their distinctive feature.

[Amanda · Rating 4 out of 5]

This will either amuse you or you will give a polite titter and pass it by. THIS amused me quite a lot. I loved the build up and when the reveal finally came, I laughed out loud. I laughed again just thinking about it. Thank you. My four-year-old will have fun naming all the animals and trying to figure out why they are all running. It may take him a minute to understand the joke, and goodness knows if he will even understand it truly or if he will just roll around on the floor and laugh his deep belly laugh. Either way, it will be a fun read. The sketchy cartoon style of the illustrations are sure to appeal as well.

[Ellon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Super weird!!

It took me a while to notice that the tail on one page would be from the animal on the next page. I thought that was clever. However, I was distracted by the fact that all the animals are from totally different habitats. Then when the narrator tells stop and we see him on a toilet reading a book, I lost interest completely.

[Lisa · Rating 2 out of 5]

A little boy is reading while on the toilet - the animals in his book are running to join him in the bathroom.

Such an odd book, I read it with a child and they didn't get it. An interesting concept, but I don't think the intended audience will "go" for it.

Cross posted to: https://kissthebookjr.blogspot.com/20...

[Nadina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Silly and cute. I think that this is a good book for young kids who are not yet reading themselves/just learning to read. It has simple pictures, and can provide a good opportunity for kids to guess what the animal on the next page is by giving a small part of that animals body on the previous page.
Simple text, simple illustrations, funny book.

[Melanie Hetrick · Rating 5 out of 5]

A humorous story that begins with animals running. A disembodied voice asks why they are running. Through questions loud and soft, demands of recognition and pleading for answers as to why they are running, several animals run through varied habitats and landscapes. Eventually readers learn the reason behind the running animals and it is quite hilarious.

Highly recommended for storytime.

[Molly Cluff (Library!) · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bunch of animals are running somewhere. They're all running to the bathroom, and are waiting impatiently at the door for a little kid to get out so they can use it. Pretty simple--can be read in probably under a minute.

[Norkett · Rating 2 out of 5]

As to what they are all running for, it will give you quite a surprise. A bit odd at the end, it had us asking questions, like did they really need to run for that but it did give us a bit of a chuckle.

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Everybody has an interesting tale of potty training. Although, by adulthood, most of us have forgotten our own versions of what that was like.

Barroux has brought us a wildly active, lighthearted fantasy with a hilarious plot twist right at the end. Though no spoiler from me, no no!

[Brian · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think the joke lands quite right, but conceptually this is a fun story. I could imagine some kids in certain moods who would love this.

[Melissa the Librarian · Rating 3 out of 5]

Could work for an older storytime for kids to get the humor. I like that you can guess which animals are coming next. And the funny reveal at the end - hilarious!

[Kimberly Wright Oelkers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great read aloud!

[Maggie Ignasiak · Rating 5 out of 5]

-can't wait to read this at storytime!!!!!!! someday, when life is regular-ish...
-great potty humor
-good engagement reading for a crowd

[Pinky · Rating 3 out of 5]

Animals are on the run and need to go number one, but the toilet seat is already taken.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Odd story but clever illustrations

[Jennifer · Rating 2 out of 5]

I'm not sure if children will love this or if it will go over their heads.

[Jason · Rating 3 out of 5]

Odd and amusing. Layered. Silly and sometimes funny. I literally said, "what?" out loud when I turned the page and the kid was on the toilet. Haha. Potential for two (or more readers).

[Edward Sullivan · Rating 3 out of 5]

A silly story relatable to anyone who has felt the urgent need to pee.

[Julie]

I usually love meta-fiction, but, eh. It was fine?

[MeganRuth - Alohamora Open a Book · Rating 3 out of 5]

This could be a fun storytime read for narrative skills or gross motor. It's simple, short, and just silly. I realize it isn't for everyone, but I thought the buildup was fun.

[Mandyhello · Rating 4 out of 5]

animals
potty training
funny

[Miss Sarah · Rating 2 out of 5]

All the animals are running after one fox where could they be running to and what's with the boy in the bathroom? Preschool and up